TRIBUTES have been paid a community stalwart and popular former town mayor.

Barbara Carr, who has died aged 87, was a former mayor of Halstead and a well-known personality in the town.

Before her retirement, she was a hardworking and popular warden of Symonds Court in St Andrew’s Road.

Fellow Labour councillor Malcolm Fincken said: “She loved organising activities for the residents and looking after their welfare.

“After her retirement, she devoted her energies to Halstead’s United Reformed Church, Halstead Labour Party, Halstead Town Council and Halstead Theatre Group.

“At the United Reformed Church, Barbara helped to run the Women’s Fellowship for many years and organised the readings for the Sunday services.

“In Halstead Labour Party, Barbara was a lively and enthusiastic contributor to discussions and was always willing to take on elected positions.

“Ever practical, she was much appreciated for the cakes she baked for Labour stalls.”

Barbara was elected to Halstead Town Council on several occasions and was always keen to support residents with their problems.

She was honoured to be elected mayor of Halstead and to represent the town at official functions.

She ran the Halstead Theatre Group and organised many outings for members to see productions in London and East Anglia.

Mr Fincken said: “Barbara was always sympathetic to people’s concerns and took a keen interest in local affairs throughout her life.

“She wrote many letters to the Halstead Gazette when she thought that things needed to change.

“For many Halsteadians an enduring memory of Barbara in her later years is seeing her on her mobility scooter in Halstead town centre, accompanied by her little dog Lucy, chatting to local residents about what mattered to them.

“Barbara was a much-loved Halstead personality who will be greatly missed.”